There were two things handed to new graduates backstage after their degree was conferred at Memorial's spring convocation this year. One is the diploma and the other is a brochure with a MUN pin and an alumni card.

"Don't just tuck the card away in your wallet because it carries with it certain privileges," advises John Kearsey, director of Alumni Affairs and Development at Memorial. He says alumni card is a sign that the Alumni Association and the office of Alumni Affairs and Development are there to support new graduates. As part of their efforts, they have developed services that they hope will have real practical value for graduates in their private and professional life.

There are many reasons to use the alumni card and stay in touch. The top ten reasons include: Free membership in the Alumni Association; Stay connected to fellow alumni; Free subscription to Luminus magazine; Free access to the QE II Library - on site and online; Free access to career and employment services; No annual fee for customized Memorial University MBNA Master Card; Great group rates on term-life, home and car insurance; Discount membership at The Works, Memorial University's recreation complex; Special events and activities through the Alumni Affairs and Development Office and the 26 chapters nation-wide and beyond; and Low summer rates at university residences.

Memorial University of Newfoundland is the largest university in Atlantic Canada, with more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Outstanding research in a variety of disciplines and extraordinary teaching in more than 250 academic programs, plus a strong tradition of service to the community, are the university's hallmarks. Memorial's diverse offerings are available at in four distinctive campus locations - in Newfoundland and in England - on the Web and in field courses around the world, providing a rich learning experience for students from this province and, increasingly, elsewhere.

In addition to providing personal and intellectual growth, a Memorial University education prepares students for fulfilling careers. According to a recent survey conducted by the provincial government, one year after Convocation over 80 per cent of Memorial graduates had found full-time employment related to their field of study.

For more information about Memorial University, visit the Web site at www.mun.ca, email info@mun.ca or phone 709 737-8663.

Also visit the Alumni web page on the MUN site at www.mun.ca/munalum/ and see other services and upcoming alumni events.